MBZUAI Unveils Revamped Executive AI Program to Empower UAE's Business Leaders
In development, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has unveiled the MBZUAI Executive Program as it welcomes its fifth cohort comprising 44 senior leaders hailing from diverse sectors across the UAE. The participants, with representation from the federal government (17 percent), local authorities (37 percent), non-government organisations/startups (9 percent), and industry (37 percent), are set to embark on a 16-week program.
The MEP, now featuring in-person modules, has a pronounced focus on the practical application and implementation of AI principles across various sectors. Participants, spanning government, energy, finance, law, transport and logistics, health, sports, and education, will engage in real-world projects, policy development, and ethics to boost regional and global AI community. The initiative aims to support and propel the development of UAE organisations, facilitating digital transformations.
The program, with four new chapters, including AI and its Current Paradigm Shift, AI Fundamentals, AI-Driven Industry Transformations, and AI Strategy, Policymaking, and Ethics, reflects the changing demands for AI skills in the market. With a focus on gender balance, the fifth edition celebrates a milestone with 43 percent of participants being female. Additionally, participants will have the unique opportunity to embark on an international trip, gaining insights into real-world AI applications from major global technology organisations.
Eric Xing, President and University Professor of MBZUAI, emphasised the program's alignment with market demands, stating, "AI is rapidly changing, and the new curriculum centres around some of the most important aspects of AI transformation, such as policy, ethics, and strategy." The program includes insights from global AI experts like Professor Michael Jordan from UC Berkeley, Professor Justine Cassell from Carnegie Mellon University, Professor Karl Ulrich from Wharton Business School, and Dr. Xuedong Huang from Zoom.
The MEP concludes with participants working on capstone projects aimed at solving national or organisational challenges using AI, with the potential for impact in sectors like healthcare, education, and sustainability. Over 150 C-suite executives, directors, and secretaries-general have graduated from the program, contributing to the growth and positive impact on the UAE's economy. Professor Xing highlighted the return of previous participants eager to share the practical applications of AI knowledge in their respective roles, stating the program's contribution to leading growth in alignment with the UAE's national strategy for AI.
